Disclaimer: I do not own the show or the characters.

Epilogue

The dimmed, slightly orange lighting casts shadows across the crowded bar. It's loud and another word that Kate can't quite get to roll off of her tongue, though it could be entirely due to the buzz of alcohol racing through her veins. It could also be that the music, if that's what you want to call it, isn't from a playlist of the most current artists, no, it's live. But not the kind of live where you get all hyped because the artist is rocking the entire building with the awesome jams. It's the kind of live where you might have to hide the cringe on your face against the shoulder of your ruggedly handsome boyfriend.

And she would do just that, if it wasn't for the fact that, oh yeah, he's currently up on the stage, karaoke-ing his heart out with not a care in the world. And he's not bad at singing, actually, he has a very nice voice, but right now, he's foregoing the in-tune notes in favor of putting on a good show, or a funny one.

She catches his eyes then, a smirk turning the corners of her lips up as she shakes her head, shooting him a warning glare when he motions for her to join him on the stage.

In your dreams, Castle.

Speaking of dreams, that's exactly what her life has seemed like since she met Richard Castle. And it's both terrifying and exhilarating all at the same time.

Things have been good, great even, so much happiness that she's certain her healed heart will explode with it eventually.

She loves him more every day, loves the life that they have together. And some might call her crazy for feeling this way after only a year of knowing him, but she doesn't care, because he's saved her in all of the best ways, much like she's done for him.

Their evening had started at the "Nikki Heat" book launch party. Something that she's so incredibly proud of him for, even if the name of her alter-ego still makes her cringe. Because he's telling her story, now their story, and he's doing it in the most beautiful way she ever could've imagined.

She's still dressed in the tight, barely covering, blue dress that had made his eyes nearly bug out of his head when she'd stepped out of the bathroom, caught him standing in the shadows of the bedroom looking rather nostalgic. She'd sauntered over to him, slipped her arms around his neck and purred promises of things they'd do when the evening was over.

And then, she'd walked arm in arm with him, his support, and his muse, let him flaunt her in front of all of the people he feels the need to impress, when in reality, he's more than he'll ever need to be. He'd been more proud of having her beside him than the success of the book itself, which has already landed him a deal for at least two more in the series, though if she has anything to do with it, Nikki Heat will be around a long time.

And once the crowd of excited friends and family, and even more excited fans had cleared away, she'd grabbed his hand, tangled their fingers and led him here, to the karaoke bar she told him about on the day she met him. And he's been radiating the sheer happiness he feels inside ever since.

She smirks when she feels him step up behind her, the warmth of his broad frame spreading over her body as he brackets her small waist with his palms, pulls her back against him and nuzzles his nose against her neck.

"You're driving me crazy, you know?" he murmurs against her skin, smirking at the shiver it elicits from her.

She slides her hands over his, hums her reply as if she has no idea what he's talking about.

"You look so damn good in that dress, but the idea of peeling it off of your body is even more appealing right now," he husks, followed by a little growl that makes her legs tremble.

She spins in his arms so fast that he nearly topples backwards, gripping his forearms to steady him and pull him back against her before sliding her arms around his neck.

"Getting arrested for indecent exposure which I'll then have to explain to my captain, is not on my list of plans for the evening. But, I'll tell you what. I'll get on that stage and sing karaoke with you one time, if you can keep your hands to yourself until we get home, and then, all bets are off and you can have your wicked way with me."

He's still stuck on the fact that she just agreed to sing karaoke with him, she can tell by the way he's looking at her, like she just told him something he's been waiting his whole life to hear.

"Rick?" she questions, smirking as she slides her fingers into his hair.

He swallows, hard, and leans down to capture her lips in a sweet kiss, gently nipping at the tender skin at the corner of her mouth before pulling away.

"'Hit Me Baby One More Time?'" he asks hopefully, smirking as an adorable frown forms at the edges of her lips.

"Kate…" he whines, sticking his bottom lip out in a pout that she can't resist, and if anyone at the precinct ever heard or found out about this, she'd never live it down, but she loves him, and his happiness is all that matters to her.

Her only answer is to pull him onto the stage with her, ignoring everyone around them in favor of fulfilling his request, because the look on his face when she belts out the first few notes, is enough to have her grinning the rest of the night.

Writing for this fandom had it's share of ups and downs. Sadly, the downs outweighed the ups and I no longer enjoy this like I used to. So this is where I end my writing journey. Thanks to all who supported me with kind words and encouragement. You won't be forgotten.

xoxo,

-Meg